Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 51 - 57

 

Section 51

Background Information 

Section 51 gives specific instructions to Edward Partridge about how he should implement the law of consecration among the newly arrived Colesville members who have settled in Thompson Ohio.  

Thompson, Ohio,  was about sixteen miles east of Kirtland. The Colesville saints settled on a 759-acre plot owned by Leman Copley, a new convert, who had agreed to allow the saints to use his land. Here they would form a united order separate from the one getting started in Kirtland. This branch consisted largely of the extended family of Joseph Knight Sr., including Joseph’s son, Newel, and their friends and acquaintances. Newel Knight was appointed president of the branch at Thompson.  Newel Knight was appointed president of the branch at Thompson. 

Bishop Partridge asked for divine guidance. He and the Prophet were particularly anxious to know how to provide for them. The Prophet inquired of the Lord for him and received this revelation in May 1831.

Section 51 contains important principles upon which the law of consecration is based. The Lord was beginning to train the saints in the principle of consecration as a preparatory step before they should be permitted to journey to Zion. 

However, despite this instruction there was little opportunity to do as this revelation directed because Copley soon rescinded his agreement to permit the Colesville group to live and work on his land. This occurred after Copley’s early May mission to the Shaker settlement at North Union, Ohio, and sometime before 6 June 1831. Neither Partridge nor the Colesville church members would have another opportunity to implement the principles of consecration expressed in this and other revelations until they arrived in Missouri.

Section 

1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my servant Edward Partridge, and give unto him directions; for it must needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people [the Thompson saints, specifically]. 2 For it must needs be that they [the Thompson Saints] be organized according to my laws [referring to the law of consecration]; if otherwise [if the church is not organized according to the law of consecration], they will be cut off. 3 Wherefore, let my servant Edward Partridge [Bishop of the church], and those whom he has chosen, in whom I am well pleased, appoint unto this people their portions, every man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs. 

• Verse 3: Wants and Needs
• 1828 Dictionary defines wants in two ways: as "Deficiency; defect; the absence of that which is necessary or useful; as a want of power or knowledge fro any purpose; want of food and clothing."  It refers to a state of not having; 
• Contrast this with today's definition: "a lack of something" 
• The 1828 definition is synonymous with need.  Whereas the modern definition denotes the desire to have something that one does not currently possess.  Thus when the Lord refers to wants and needs, He is referring to "portions" that are needful for the person (and family) according to his circumstances.  Under the law of consecration, there is not absolute equality in possession, because each man has different circumstances.  But man will have what is needful for his circumstances. 

4 And let my servant Edward Partridge, when he shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his portion [the portion is secured through a deed], that he shall hold it, even this right and this inheritance in the church, until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by the voice of the church, according to the laws and covenants of the church, to belong to the church. 5 And if he shall transgress and is not accounted worthy to belong to the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto the bishop for the poor and needy of my church; therefore, he shall not retain the gift [because the property donated to the bishop's storehouse is a gift, the donation can't be returned to the donor], but shall only have claim on that portion that is deeded unto him [he can only keep the property that was deeded to him]. 6 And thus all things shall be made sure, according to the laws of the land.

7 And let that which belongs to this people [Thompson Saints] be appointed unto this people. 8 And the money which is left unto this people—let there be an agent [Sidney Gilbert, see D&C 53:4] appointed unto this people, to take the money to provide food and raiment, according to the wants of this people [see verse 3]. 9 And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you. 10 And let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given unto that of another church.

• Verse 7: Another Church 
• The word “church” in these verses means branch of the Church. IT appears that the Lord wished the different branches of the Church to be financially independent and separate,. with the unit handling the consecration of properties separately.

11 Wherefore, if another church [other branch of the church] would receive money of this church [Thompson church], let them [the other branch] pay unto this church [Thompson church] again according as they shall agree; 12 And this [the payment to the Thompson church from the other church] shall be done through the bishop or the agent, which shall be appointed by the voice of the church. 13 And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church; and let all things both in money and in meat, which are more than is needful for the wants of this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop. 14 And let him also reserve unto himself for his own wants, and for the wants of his family [see verse 3], as he [the bishop] shall be employed in doing this business [administering the law of consecration]. 15 And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves according to my laws.

• Verse 15: Grant Unto This People A Privilege
• It is a privilege to live the law of consecration, despite the sacrifice it entails. The law of consecration is patterned off of celestial law. By living the law of consecration, we have the privilege of living a higher law. 

16 And I consecrate unto them [the Thompson saints] this land [the land in Thompson Ohio] for a little season [foreshadows the Lord's calling of the Thompson saints to migrate to Missouri], until I, the Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence [Thompson saints are to remain in Ohio until the Lord directs them migrate to Missouri]; 17 And the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good [The Thompson saints are to assume that they'll be in Thompson Ohio for years. Therefore they should settle in and not think about moving]. 18 Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all churches. 19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life. 20 Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen.

Section 52

Background Information 

In June 1831 all elders were directed to attend a summer conference held in Kirtland, Ohio. According to Levi Hancock, many many church members gathered on 5 June “on the hill in a field whare there was a larg concours of people collected.” JS addressed the congregation and told them that “from that time the Elders would have large congregations to speak to and they must soon take there departure into the Reagions west.” The conference lasted from June 3rd to June 5th. JS received section 52 on the day after the conference, on June 6th. 

The date recorded for this revelation in the heading of the Doctrine and Covenants, June 7, 1831, is incorrect. Joseph indicated in the History of the Church (HC, 1:175-77) that this revelation was given the day after the conference closed. Since it was a three-day conference, beginning on Friday, June 3, and ending on Sunday June 5, the revelation had to have been received on Monday June 6. 

In the scope of church history, this conference is not given much attention and often elided from discussion. And if it is discussed, only brief mention is given to what occurred, with many accounts reducing the events at the conference to the conferral of the office of the High Priest. But this June Conference was a significant event. As discussed in previous posts, the June Conference was where the Melchizedek priesthood was conferred for the first time. 

Most of us believe that the Melchizedek priesthood was restored to JS through the angelic ministration of Peter, James, and John.  This belief comes from section 27 which states: 

7 And also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias; 8 Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto the first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron... 12 And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; 13 Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth... 

However, two things should be noted about the section: 

First (starting in verse 12) states the Peter, James, and John ordained JS and OC to "apostles and especial witnesses of the Lord's name".  To ordain is different than to confer. To ordain is to appoint to receive the Melchizedek priesthood; it doesn't mean that one has received it. Reception of the Melchizedek priesthood occurs when it has been conferred upon the person. And this conferral of the Melchizedek priesthood comes from God's voice. In other words, ordaining merely prepares one or authorizes one to seek after the reception (conferral) of the priesthood. This principle is best illustrated in the JST of Genesis 14: 

25 And Melchizedek lifted up his voice and blessed Abram. 26 Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire. 27 And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch, 28 It [high priest after the order of the covenant -- Melchizedek ] being after the order of the Son of God; which order [Melchizedek order] came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God; 29 And it [the Melchizedek] was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name. 30 For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;

Key Points: The Verse explains that Melchizedek, through his faith and righteousness was ordained to the high priesthood. Next the passage starting in verse 28 explain how one receives the Melchizedek priesthood. One receives it through God's voice. 

According the JS, the conferral of the Melchizedek priesthood happened at this conference: 

On the 3rd of June, the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood was manifested and conferred for the first time upon several of the Elders. It was clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done.” (History of the Church, Vol.1, p.175).

At this Conference, JS ordains Lyman White, Lyman White sees Christ and then ordains others. White is the first person, besides JS, who received the Melchizedek priesthood. JS was also ordained a high priest. 23 other elders received the Melchizedek priesthood. 

For more information about this, see here, where I went into a greater discussion about the Melchizedek Priesthood, how it's conferred, and events at the June Conference. 

The second thing to note is that section 27 does not state that Peter, James, and John conferred the keys of the kingdom on JS and OC. Instead it states the opposite -- that Peter, James, and John possess the keys of the kingdom. 

Section 

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders whom he hath called and chosen in these last days, by the voice of his Spirit— 2 Saying: I, the Lord, will make known unto you what I will that ye shall do from this time until the next conference, which shall be held in Missouri, upon the land which I will consecrate unto my people, which are a remnant of Jacob, and those who are heirs according to the covenant [speaking about the Lamanites]. 3 Wherefore, verily I say unto you, let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon take their journey as soon as preparations can be made to leave their homes, and journey to the land of Missouri. 4 And inasmuch as they [JS and SR] are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto them what they shall do; 5 And it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful, be made known unto them the land of your inheritance. 6 And inasmuch as they [JS and SR] are not faithful, they shall be cut off, even as I will, as seemeth me good. 

• Verses 4-6: Inasmuch As They Are Faithful
• Revelation comes to us line-upon-line, percept-upon-percept, in small increments over time. Faithfulness to the Lord is the key to receiving more revelation. The more we show our obedience to the Lord, the more He can trust and and in turn will give us more instruction. 
• Elder Bender taught: 
• Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently ‘distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven’ (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare and is evident in the experiences of Nephi as he tried several different approaches before successfully obtaining the plates of brass from Laban (see 1 Nephi 3–4). Ultimately, he was led by the Spirit to Jerusalem, “not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do” (1 Nephi 4:6). And he did not learn how to build a ship of curious workmanship all at one time; rather, Nephi was shown by the Lord “from time to time after what manner [he] should work the timbers of the ship” (1 Nephi 18:1)."
• Eventually the obedience to revelation will lead to greater light until one is brought into the presence of the Lord. 

7 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Lyman Wight and my servant John Corrill take their journey speedily; 8 And also my servant John Murdock, and my servant Hyrum Smith, take their journey unto the same place by the way of Detroit. 9 And let them journey from thence preaching the word by the way, saying none other things than that which the prophets and apostles have written, and that which is taught them by the Comforter through the prayer of faith. 10 Let them go two by two, and thus let them preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by water, and the laying on of the hands by the water’s side. 11 For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work short in righteousness, for the days come that I will send forth judgment unto victory.

12 And let my servant Lyman Wight beware, for Satan desireth to sift him as chaff. 13 And behold, he that is faithful shall be made ruler over many things. 14 And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations— 15 Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances [commands, or what has been appointed or "ordained" to the man]. 16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances [commands]. 17 And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. 18 And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me. 19 Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens.

• Verse 15: Accepted Of Me
• The  implication of this verse is that there will be some who pray and appear to be contrite, yet their prayers are insincere and they only feign contrition. They are also hypocritical in their appearance of obedience—they do not obey or they obey for the wrong reasons. These may be found in and out of the Church. This people are the deceivers.
• Verse 16: He That Speaketh 
• Again, just as in the previous verse, we find here an implication that the deceiver will feign contrition and meekness in his speaking and teaching, yet he is disobedient to the Lord’s commands and he lacks the spiritual character of an obedient servant.
• Verse 17: Trembleth Under My Power
• As one commentator notes: "This expression refers to the genuine contrition and submissiveness of man. He who feels his frailties, inadequacies, and weaknesses compared to God is likely to obey—though it be difficult—and consequently grow spiritually (“bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom”)." 

20 And the days have come; according to men’s faith it shall be done unto them. 21 Behold, this commandment is given unto all the elders whom I have chosen. 22 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Thomas B. Marsh and my servant Ezra Thayre take their journey also, preaching the word by the way unto this same land. 23 And again, let my servant Isaac Morley and my servant Ezra Booth take their journey, also preaching the word by the way unto this same land. 24 And again, let my servants Edward Partridge and Martin Harris take their journey with my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun. 25 Let my servants David Whitmer and Harvey Whitlock also take their journey, and preach by the way unto this same land. 26 And let my servants Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt take their journey, and preach by the way, even unto this same land. 27 And let my servants Solomon Hancock and Simeon Carter also take their journey unto this same land, and preach by the way. 28 Let my servants Edson Fuller and Jacob Scott also take their journey. 29 Let my servants Levi W. Hancock and Zebedee Coltrin also take their journey. 30 Let my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Samuel H. Smith also take their journey. 31 Let my servants Wheeler Baldwin and William Carter also take their journey. 32 And let my servants Newel Knight and Selah J. Griffin both be ordained, and also take their journey.

33 Yea, verily I say, let all these take their journey unto one place, in their several courses, and one man shall not build upon another’s foundation, neither journey in another’s track. 34 He that is faithful, the same shall be kept and blessed with much fruit. 35 And again, I say unto you, let my servants Joseph Wakefield and Solomon Humphrey take their journey into the eastern lands; 36 Let them labor with their families, declaring none other things than the prophets and apostles, that which they have seen and heard and most assuredly believe, that the prophecies may be fulfilled.

37 In consequence of transgression, let that which was bestowed upon Heman Basset be taken from him, and placed upon the head of Simonds Ryder. 38 And again, verily I say unto you, let Jared Carter be ordained a priest, and also George James be ordained a priest. 39 Let the residue of the elders watch over the churches, and declare the word in the regions round about them; and let them labor with their own hands that there be no idolatry nor wickedness practiced. 40 And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.

41 And again, let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge take with them a recommend from the church. And let there be one obtained for my servant Oliver Cowdery also. 42 And thus, even as I have said, if ye are faithful ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice upon the land of Missouri, which is the land of your inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies. 43 But, behold, I, the Lord, will hasten the city in its time, and will crown the faithful with joy and with rejoicing. 44 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and I will lift them up at the last day. Even so. Amen.

Section 53

Background Information 

This revelation is directed to Sidney Gilbert. Gilbert was a business partner of Newel K. Whitney and an early convert of the church in the fall of 1830. The revelation given in section 52 was directed to the elders to serve missions in the Missouri area. However, Sidney Gilbert was not named in the revelation. Accordingly, he asked JS to ask the Lord what he should do. In response, JS received this revelation that gave Gilbert assignments in the church, including the instruction to travel to Missouri with JS and SR. 

B. H. Roberts said of Sidney Gilbert that the Lord had “few more devoted servants in this dispensation.” In Missouri he was appointed keeper of the Lord’s storehouse and also had responsibility for purchasing lands for the saints. He assisted Edward Partridge in managing the temporal affairs of the Church in Missouri. He opened another small store (see D&C 57:6-8), which was also named Gilbert and Whitney. This store also served as a bishop’s storehouse. In the persecution that came upon the saints in Jackson County, he sacrificed all his worldly goods to the cause. On July 23, 1833 he offered himself as a ransom for the saints. Shortly after the saints were forced out of Independence, he contracted cholera and died April 29, 1834, at the age of 45.

Although we don't know the exact date of this revelation, it's likely that it was given before the June 6, since this revelation references Gilbert's ordination, which ordination he received on June 6th. 

Section 

1 Behold, I say unto you, my servant Sidney Gilbert, that I have heard your prayers; and you have called upon me that it should be made known unto you, of the Lord your God, concerning your calling and election in the church [referring to Gilbert's calling -- assignment by God], which I, the Lord, have raised up in these last days. 2 Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world. 3 Take upon you mine ordination, even that of an elder, to preach faith and repentance and remission of sins, according to my word, and the reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands [see section 54:; 4 And also to be an agent unto this church in the place which shall be appointed by the bishop, according to commandments which shall be given hereafter.

• Verse 2: Forsake the Word
• To forsake the world means to set relinquish our worldly ambitions for the things of God. Concerning Brother Gilbert, it meant leaving his business in Kirtland to attend to his assignment by God.
•  Elder George Q. Cannon taught:
• We need to be born again, and have new hearts put in us. There is too much of the old leaven about us. We are not born again as we should be. Do you not believe that we ought to be born again? Do you not believe that we should become new creatures in Christ Jesus, under the influence of the gospel? All will say, yes, who understand the gospel. You must be born again. You must have new desires, new hearts. But what do we see? We see men following the ways of the world just as much as though they made no pretensions to being Latter-day Saints. Hundreds of people who are called Latter-day Saints you could not distinguish from the world. They have the same desires, the same feelings, the same aspirations, the same passions as the rest of the world. Is this how God wants us to be? No. He wants us to have new hearts, new desires. He wants us to be a changed people when we embrace his gospel (CR, October 1899, 50).

5 And again, verily I say unto you, you shall take your journey with my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon. 6 Behold, these are the first ordinances which you shall receive; and the residue shall be made known in a time to come, according to your labor in my vineyard. 7 And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen.

Section 54

Background Information 

This revelation is directed to the Thompson saints. 

As you will recall in section 51, the Thompson saints (who consisted of the Colesville saints who have moved to Thompson, Ohio) were commanded to live the law of consecration under the direction of Newel Knight.  They moved onto the 759 acre farm of Leman Copley, a new convert and former Shaker. The agreement entered into with Leman Copley was that he would consecrate half of his farm to the Church and sell the other half to the Church at a fair price.

However, problems arose after Copley (who was called to preach to the Shaker, along with Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt) questioned his conversion to the church. He later left the church and rejoined his old congregation, the Shakers. While this was going on, Bishop Partridge was dividing up the land that Copley deeded to the Church under the law of consecration and on behalf of the Colesville Saints. Leman, who had not legally conveyed his property to the Church, withdrew his transfer of property and ordered the Colesville saints off his land. He also charged them rent for the time they had lived there, despite the fact that they had planted his fields, built fences, and made other major improvements to the property.

Initially, Newel Knight was called on a mission to Missouri with Selah J. Griffin as his companion. In this section, however, the Lord reassigns Knight to serving as the branch president. Colesville saints are also commanded in this revelation to move to Missouri to begin to build up Zion. 

Section 

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world— 2 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, my servant Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the office whereunto I have appointed you [Knight is decommissioned from missionary work and reassigned to branch president]. 3 And if your brethren [unclear if the Lord is referring to the Thompson saints or someone else] desire to escape their enemies, let them repent of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite [If the Lord is referring to the Thompson saints, then the Thompson saints have sins to repent off.  Section 56 suggests that the Thompson saints were being disobedient].

4 And as the covenant which they made unto me has been broken [the agreement between the Thompson saints and Copley that he would deed the land to them], even so it has become void and of none effect. 5 And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea. 6 But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy. 7 Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you; and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to pay moneys for you.

8 And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the Lamanites. 9 And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you. 10 And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.

Section 55

Background Information 

This revelation is directed to William W. Phelps. At some time during the June conference, a man arrived to Kirtland from Canandaigua, New York with his family. Phelps was born in New Jersey and was almost 14 years older than prophet. He was 39 when he joined the Church. Prior to joining the church, he was the publisher of an anti-Masonic newspaper, the Ontario Phoenix in Canandaigua, New York. Phelps was soon ordained an elder and later served as a printer for The Evening and the Morning Star -- the first newspaper publication by the Church. The first edition was published at Independence in June 1832. He was in the process of publishing the Book of Commandments when interrupted by a mob that destroyed the press in July of 1833, but the following December another printing office was established in Kirtland, and the publication of the Star resumed there.

Besides his contribution to journalism for the Church, he composed several hymns that are popular among the saint, including “Gently Raise the Sacred Strain,” “O God, the Eternal Father,” “Now Let us Rejoice,” “Redeemer of Israel,” and “Earth with Her Ten Thousand Flowers.” He also wrote “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning” and “The Earth Was Once a Garden Place” for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Following the martyrdom of the Prophet, Brother Phelps wrote “Praise to the Man” as a tribute to Joseph.

Section 

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant William, yea, even the Lord of the whole earth, thou art called and chosen; and after thou hast been baptized by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands [reception of the Holy Spirit does come automatically when hands are laid, the person must first be consecrated to the Lord]; 2 And then thou [William Phelps] shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to be an elder unto this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. 3 And on whomsoever you shall lay your hands, if they are contrite before me, you shall have power to give the Holy Spirit [In order for the person to receive the Holy Ghost, he had to be contrite before the Lord].

• Verse 3: Contrite Before Me
• Having a contrite (and broken heart) are prerequisites for receiving the new and everlasting covenant. 
• 19 And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the law is fulfilled... 20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, (3 Nephi 12; 9) 
• This is the sacrifice that is required of us to enter into the new and everlasting covenants 
• 8 Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. (D&C 59) 
• And it is only through this sacrifice can man be redeemed 
• 7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. (2 Nephi 2) 

4 And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oliver Cowdery to do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me. 5 And again, verily I say unto you, for this cause you shall take your journey with my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that you may be planted in the land of your inheritance to do this work [Missouri]. 6 And again, let my servant Joseph Coe also take his journey with them. The residue shall be made known hereafter, even as I will. Amen.

Section 56

Background Information 

This revelation ties in to Lord's missionary instruction to the elders in section 52. Originally Ezra Thayre and Thomas Marsh were to be companions (22 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Thomas B. Marsh and my servant Ezra Thayre take their journey also, preaching the word by the way unto this same land. ) However, after section 52 was received, Thayre had some disagreements concerning land interest he was promised. 

Ezra Thayre was one of the New York Saints who went to Kirtland with a fair amount of cash, presumably from selling his New York property. It appears that he had agreed to consecrate his holdings to the Lord and had received in return a promised interest in the Williams farm. But when Thayre was called to Missouri, he wanted to secure his financial interest in Kirtland by receiving some kind of consideration: either by getting his money back or by receiving legal title to a portion of the Williams farm (see verses 9-10). Thayre would not go until his personal interests were secured.

As a result, the Lord reassigned Thomas B Marsh (Thayre's original companion) to Selah Griffin to accompany Marsh to Missouri. 

Section 

1 Hearken, O ye people who profess my name, saith the Lord your God; for behold, mine anger is kindled against the rebellious, and they shall know mine arm and mine indignation, in the day of visitation and of wrath upon the nations. 2 And he that will not take up his cross and follow me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not be saved [All of us are required to make sacrifices to follow the Lord. If we don't do this, we are cut off from the Lord]. 3 Behold, I, the Lord, command; and he that will not obey shall be cut off in mine own due time [the cutting off won't always happen immediately], after I have commanded and the commandment is broken. 4 Wherefore I, the Lord, command and revoke, as it seemeth me good [the Lord will cut off the rebellious (those refusing to sacrifice for him) according to his will]; and all this to be answered upon the heads of the rebellious, saith the Lord.

5 Wherefore, I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre, and give a new commandment unto my servant Thomas, that he shall take up his journey speedily to the land of Missouri, and my servant Selah J. Griffin shall also go with him. 6 For behold, I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants Selah J. Griffin and Newel Knight, in consequence of the stiffneckedness of my people which are in Thompson, and their rebellions. 7 Wherefore, let my servant Newel Knight remain with them; and as many as will go may go, that are contrite before me, and be led by him to the land which I have appointed. 

8 And again, verily I say unto you, that my servant Ezra Thayre must repent of his pride, and of his selfishness, and obey the former commandment which I have given him concerning the place upon which he lives. 9 And if he [Thayre] will do this, as there shall be no divisions made upon the land, he shall be appointed still to go to the land of Missouri; 10 Otherwise he shall receive the money which he has paid, and shall leave the place, and shall be cut off out of my church, saith the Lord God of hosts; 11 And though the heaven and the earth pass away, these words shall not pass away, but shall be fulfilled. 

• Verse 9: Divisions Made Upon the Land 
• As one commentator explained: "Ezra Thayre had proposed that the Frederick G. Williams farm be divided up among the three families now occupying the farm. He further proposed that he be deeded that part of the farm designated to be his. Thayre’s proposals violated the spirit of the law of consecration. In this verse the Lord says that if Ezra Thayre will repent and obey spirit of the law of consecration and stewardship, then it will not be necessary to divide the farm and deed part of it to Ezra Thayre."
• Verse 10: Shall Be Cut Off
• As one commentator explained: "In this verse, the Lord outlines for Ezra Thayre the alternatives should he not repent. If Thayre continues to insist on dividing the land and having a part of it deeded to him, then the Church would return the money that he had consecrated, he would have to move off of the land, and he would lose his membership in the Church— he would be excommunicated!"
• Fortunately, it appears that Thayre did repent because the land was not divided, he was not paid back, and he was not excommunicated. He was again called to fill a mission in Missouri seven months later, on January 25, 1832.

12 And if my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., must needs pay the money, behold, I, the Lord, will pay it unto him again in the land of Missouri, that those of whom he shall receive may be rewarded again according to that which they do; 13 For according to that which they do they shall receive, even in lands for their inheritance. 14 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my people—you have many things to do and to repent of; for behold, your sins have come up unto me, and are not pardoned, because you seek to counsel in your own ways.

• Verse 12: Pay The Money 
• Here, the Lord speaks hypothetically to JS addressing the event if Thayre insists on being paid back the money he consecrated. According to the Lord, if Thayre insists on being paid back his consecrated money, and that money is returned to him from church funds, then the Lord will make it up to Joseph and the Church through the productivity of the church activities in Missouri. Monies will be consecrated by church members in Missouri to make up the short fall, and those who contribute that money will be blessed.

15 And your [speaking to the church members -- and more specifically those in Thompson, Ohio] hearts are not satisfied. And ye [the church members] obey not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. 16 Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved! 17 Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands! 18 But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.

• Verses 16-18: Wo Unto the Rich and Poor Men 
• The Lord rebukes both the rich and the poor. The rich are obligated to give their substance to the those in need. Otherwise their riches will condemn them in the day of judgment. This is because the Lord use those who are wealthy to relieve the burdens of the poor. If the wealthy would heed this responsibility, much poverty and suffering (due to poverty) could be relieved.  
• At the same time, the poor are under condemnation if they refuse to allow their circumstances to humble them and who are idle. Although the Lord prefers that there be no poor among his people, poverty can serve to bring about the requisite degree of humility in order for a person to repent. Alma's mission to the Zoramites touches upon this principle: 
• 6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word... 12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble. 13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.
• Poverty can drive one to humility bringing about repentance. However, the Lord condemns that poor that despite their poverty covet after their neighbor's possessions and "whose bellies are not satisfied." In other words, the poor are the Lord's people only if they repent and humble themselves. 

19 For behold, the Lord shall come, and his recompense shall be with him, and he shall reward every man, and the poor shall rejoice; 20 And their generations shall inherit the earth from generation to generation, forever and ever. And now I make an end of speaking unto you. Even so. Amen.

Section 57 

Background Information 

JS received this revelation after he arrived in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, on July 14th. JS dictated this revelation on 20 July 1831 identifying “the land of Missorie” as the “land of promise.” 

The elders who had been called to Missouri began leaving Kirtland in pairs in the middle of June, 1831. At the time the Church was only fourteen months old. Joseph Smith, accompanied by seven others (Martin Harris, W.W. Phelps, Edward Partridge, Sidney Rigdon, Sidney Gilbert, Brother Gilbert’s wife Elizabeth, and Joseph Coe), started west on June 19 and went as far as Cincinnati by wagon, canal boat, and stage coach. From Cincinnati they proceeded by river boat to Saint Louis, Missouri, and from there Joseph and four others walked the 240 miles across the state to Jackson County. The rest came up the Missouri River by boat. In Jackson County, they met up with Oliver Cowdery, Ziba Peterson, Peter Whitmer, Jr., and Frederick G. Williams who had previously traveled to Missouri on their mission to the Lamanites. Joseph and his traveling company had traveled about one thousand miles in less than a month, and they arrived in Independence July 17, 1831. Together in Missouri, then, were the presidential party, the Lamanite missionaries (minus Parley P. Pratt), and some elders who had already arrived from Kirtland. The saints from the Colesville Branch arrived a few days later.

In July 1831 in Jackson County, the Prophet Joseph surveyed the degenerate condition of the place and was discouraged. He wrote:

The meeting of our brethren [Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, Jr., Ziba Peterson, and Frederick G. Williams], who had long awaited our arrival, was a glorious one, and moistened with many tears. It seemed good and pleasant for brethren to meet together in unity. But our reflections were many, coming as we had from a highly cultivated state of society in the east, and standing now upon the confines or western limits of the United States, and looking into the vast wilderness of those that sat in darkness; how natural it was to observe the degradation, leanness of intellect, ferocity, and jealousy of a people that were nearly a century behind the times, and to feel for those who roamed about without the benefit of civilization, refinement, or religion (HC, 1:189).

According to the history JS initiated in 1838, JS spent time upon his arrival in Independence ruminating on the situation of the American Indians living in the “wilderness” across the border. It's possible, as suggested by the Joseph Smith Papers, that earlier revelation about the future of Missouri prompted JS to ask questions about when and where Zion would be built. In another account, JS remembered “viewing the country” before “seeking diligently at the hand of God”; according to that account, God “manifested himself unto me, and designated to me and others, the very spot upon which he designed to commence the work of the gathering, and the upbuilding of an holy city, which should be called Zion.”

Section 57 designates Missouri as the "Land of Zion", establishing Independence as the place where the city of Zion was to be built, while also designating the spot on which to build the temple.  

Section 

1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land, which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints. 2 Wherefore, this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion [Independence, Jackson Country, Missouri].

3 And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse. 4 Wherefore, it is wisdom that the land [the plot of land] should be purchased by the saints, and also every tract lying westward, even unto the line running directly between Jew and Gentile [A parcel of land containing the temple site—the 63 1/4 acres—was purchased by the Church on December 19, 1831 from Jones H. Flournoy for $130.]; 5 And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance [The Lord repeats his instruction to the saints to buy the land between Independence and the Indian frontier].

• Verse 3: Land Should Be Purchased 
• The site is just west of the courthouse in Independence and consists of 63 1/4 acres. It was dedicated as a site for the temple on August 3, 1831 by Joseph Smith. Actually, Joseph eventually laid out plans for a complex of twenty-four temples that would some day be built on the site.
• As one commentator explained: "Today this plot of land is owned by three separate churches. Our Church owns about 20 acres. The Hedrickites—the Church of Christ, Temple Lot—owns the small plot where Joseph placed corner stones to mark the site of the center temple. This group was organized by Granville Hedrick as a splinter group from the Utah church. They quietly purchased the center part of the temple lot after the saints departed Independence, and they located their headquarters there. Today this is a small group of friendly people who still live and worship in Independence. The Reorganized LDS Church owns the remainder, which is the largest part of the property."

6 And let my servant Sidney Gilbert stand in the office to which I have appointed him, to receive moneys, to be an agent unto the church, to buy land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be done in righteousness, and as wisdom shall direct. 7 And let my servant Edward Partridge stand in the office to which I have appointed him, and divide unto the saints their inheritance, even as I have commanded; and also those whom he has appointed to assist him. 

8 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish a store, that he may sell goods without fraud, that he may obtain money to buy lands for the good of the saints, and that he may obtain whatsoever things the disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance [Sidney Gilbert’s retail store would also provide goods needed by the saints in the area and eventually also serve as a bishop’s storehouse. Managing this store was Sidney Gilbert’s personal stewardship in Missouri.]. 9 And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain a license—behold here is wisdom, and whoso readeth let him understand—that he may send goods also unto the people, even by whom he will as clerks employed in his service [The two earliest manuscript copies of section 57 read in the latter part of verse 9 and all of verse 10: “That he may send goods also unto the Lamanites, even by whom he will as clerks employed in his service and then the gospel may be proclaimed unto them”] 10 And thus provide for my saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death [Given the context of verses 8-10, this phrase refeers to the Indians who live in Indian territory]. 

• Verse 8: Sell Goods Without Fraud
• It was a common practice at trading posts to cheat the Indians out of their barterable items. Sidney Gilbert’s store was to be a place where the Indians would get a fair exchange for their goods—“without fraud”. This would hopefully accomplish two things: (1) First, it would bring the Indians to the saints, and, (2) once the Indians saw that the saints dealt honestly with them, they would be converted to the gospel.

11 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William W. Phelps be planted in this place, and be established as a printer unto the church. 12 And lo, if the world receive his writings—behold here is wisdom—let him obtain whatsoever he can obtain in righteousness, for the good of the saints. 13 And let my servant Oliver Cowdery assist him, even as I have commanded, in whatsoever place I shall appoint unto him, to copy, and to correct, and select, that all things may be right before me, as it shall be proved by the Spirit through him. 14 And thus let those of whom I have spoken be planted in the land of Zion, as speedily as can be, with their families, to do those things even as I have spoken. 15 And now concerning the gathering—Let the bishop and the agent make preparations for those families which have been commanded to come to this land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their inheritance. 16 And unto the residue of both elders and members further directions shall be given hereafter. Even so. Amen.

• Verse 16: Unto the Residue of Elders
• As one commentator explained:
• By the end of 1831, Bishop Partridge had established a storehouse for the reception and distribution of consecrated goods, and one year after the gathering had commenced in Missouri most of the three to four hundred converts living there had consecrated their property to the bishop and were living on inheritances. But the implementation of this law was impeded by problems. Wherever the law of consecration and stewardship was attempted, there was a tendency for poor people to be attracted to the movement and for the wealthy to shun such an undertaking. 
• Some members did not comply or did not learn of the recommendations of the leaders in Kirtland, who instructed the saints not to gather in Missouri unless they took with them money, seeds, cattle, or other contributions to the system. Evidently, there was not sufficient property to give every family an adequate inheritance. 
• A number of families crowded into homes that were meant to support a single family. Some became lazy while they were waiting for an inheritance or the anticipated second coming of the Lord. Others left the Church taking with them their inheritances. As early as the fall of 1832, Bishop Edward Partridge began leasing land (rather than conveying deeds) to the saints. Under the provision of these contracts, stewards were not permitted to transfer their inheritances to their wives, children, or heirs, or to sell their property.
• The failure of the Missouri saints to achieve Zion will be discussed in later sections.